Notice of Passing – Colonel (Retired) Theodore “Ted” Lorenz

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of COL(R) Theodore “Ted” Lorenz of Penn Valley, PA. COL(R) Lorenz passed away on February 21, 2024. He was 58 years old.

COL(R) Lorenz served in the U.S. Army Reserve for over 28 years, retiring in December 2023. Prior to his retirement, he was the Staff Judge Advocate for the 377th Theater Support Command located in New Orleans, LA, where he oversaw the legal operations for the largest reserve unit in the DoD. He also served as the Commander of the 87th Legal Operations Detachment, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Deputy Commander of the 153rd Legal Operations Detachment, headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

In 2007, COL(R) Lorenz (then CPT) deployed with the 82 Airborne Division to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, initially serving as a Command Judge Advocate at Kandahar Airfield. He also served as the Chief of Claims while at Bagram Airfield where he oversaw the claims operations for all of Afghanistan. COL(R) Lorenz has also conducted human rights training missions to Uganda and Uzbekistan, and a humanitarian assistance mission to Guatemala.

COL(R) Lorenz was a 1983 graduate of Metuchen High School. He enlisted in the military in 1987 and completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, SC. After his initial training, he served with the NJ Army National Guard, 50th Armored Division, located in New Brunswick, NJ. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland in 1987, and his Juris Doctor Degree, cum laude, from the Widener University School of Law in 1992. He also received a Master of Strategic Studies, with honors, from the U.S. Army War College. 

In his civilian capacity, COL(R) Lorenz served as the General Counsel for the Defense Acquisition University located on Ft. Belvoir, VA. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Associate General Counsel with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and as an associate counsel for the Defense Logistics Agency.

He is survived by his wife, Anne, and two sons, Stephen and Brian.

Ted’s family asks that any donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Ted’s honor at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Ted believed wholeheartedly in the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project and enjoyed supporting it over the years. A private service will be held at a later date.

Please keep the Lorenz family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.


STUART W. RISCH
LTG, U.S. Army
The Judge Advocate General